What a day! Animals, two interesting history lessons, and a new word.

I learned some interesting things today from my visits around the city. This was in addition to seeing the beautiful animals on the reserve! Giraffes, cheetahs, and elephants – oh my! (Okay, that doesn’t quite work, but please see photos in the “slideshow” off to the right…)

First, the history of Botswana (and we’re talking nutshell version here!): The three chiefs (see the photo of the memorial statue) whose territories made up the area that is now Botswana asked Britain to protect them from the Boers invaders. Britain agreed – having her own motives of protecting the trade route that passed through what is now Botswana. Then, in 1966, when Botswana asked for his independence, Britain granted it easily – because then the country was poor and just seen as dessert with nothing to claim and nothing to gain. Then, only one year later diamonds were discovered in Botswana. It is now one of the richest countries in Africa. The country did not need to endure conflict to gain his independence, and they were colonized in a very different way than most African nations. This makes their history quite unique – and peaceful.

Now, on to how the university came to be established in 1982: The University of Botswana originates from the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland established in 1964. When Botswana decided the country needed its own university, it called upon the people of the country to give anything they could. People’s capital was in their cattle and their agriculture. So this is what they brought. (See the photo of the statue of the man bringing the cow.) The old logo symbolizes this tradition and these humble beginnings – which is why so many people at the university don’t like the change.

Oh, and I learned how to say “hello” in Setswana: “dumela.” I mean it only took me four days to learn. And, okay, I had to buy a t-shirt with the word on it to help me remember! Tomorrow is reserved for work – and maybe a bit more exploring!

Be sure to say “hello!”

Today I had the opportunity to meet with two people at the Business “Faculty” (they don’t call it “school’ or “department” as we do in the States) at the University of Botswana. Dr. Percy Phatshwane is a Senior Lecturer in accounting, and she connected me with Elliott Odirile, Coordinator of the Business Clinic. (The role of the Business Clinic is to fill the gap between the academic world and the work world for students.) The conversations were fruitful, and I’m energized to continue my research here and in South Africa.

When our conversations turned to the business culture of Botswana, both contacts immediately said how important the greeting is. And I have already seen this for myself – people will interrupt a conversation to stop, smile, and say “hello” to someone simply passing by. I think this is great! Being from Indiana and growing up with “Hoosier hospitality,” I tend to feel the need to smile and talk to everyone (picture Will Ferrell in the movie Elf trying to give every passerby a hug – comparable to that). So I fit right in when it comes to this mannerism!

I’ve already bragged a bit on the glory of the country. What’s interesting is to hear the locals calling their land “second only to Heaven.” It is a safe, friendly, beautiful place, rich in culture. Even with globalization playing its role in the country, the people work to remain steadfast in their traditions and principles. Some students even go to an initiation school to learn about the Botswana culture.

Tomorrow I hope to learn more about the culture myself, as I visit the National Museum, the Parliament buildings, and the Three Chief’s monuments.

New experience 1: My first time writing a blog. New experience 2: My first time in Botswana!

I am so appreciative to CIBER and Africa Studies for the opportunity to be in Gaborone, Botswana this week. It’s taken a couple of days to settle in, but now it will be hard to leave. I’ve already met many locals, and one word keeps coming up in my conversations about the country: simple.

I would agree with that, from the little I’ve seen and experienced thus far. It’s the kind of simplicity that makes you long for a more simple life – one of natural beauty, friendly smiles, slower paces, and cheerful dancing.

I visited the University of Botswana earlier today. It is winter here so the students are on break. Not much action to see, but the campus is lovely, with a nice mix of old and new. There are several new buildings and many under construction, but they kept the first “block” built on the campus to remember their humble beginnings (more about that in a later post). Also, they just changed their logo, which many people do not like. They lost some of their tradition for the sake of becoming more modern.

I’m going back to the university tomorrow to meet with some people in the business department. For now, however, I’m off to watch the US/Brazil soccer match. It’s in South Africa – where I’ll be next week!